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Books by 

N. MOORE BANTA 

The Brownie Primer 
Ten Little Brownie Men 
Busy Little Brownies 
The Brownies and the Goblins 
The Fairy Primer 
Fairies of the Nine Hills 
Four-and-Forty Fairies 
Once Upon a Time Stories 


Books by 

JULIA DARROW 
COWLES 

The Robinson Crusoe Reader 
Going- to School in Animal 
Land 

Indian Nature Myths 
Stories to Tell 
The Art of Story Telling 
Once Upon a Time Stories 


Published by 

A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 
CHICAGO 



He gt 6w tired of stitching o^i the some hind of trousers everii 

day^’ 


ONCE UPON A TIME 
STORIES 



BY 


N.’^MOORE BANTA 


AND 

JULIA DARROW COWLES / 


/ 

IDLUSTRATED BY 

DOROTHY DULIN / 


1922 

A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 

CHICAGO 


COPYRIGHT. 1922, BY A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 



~? l'322sj 


©Cl A690286L 


CONTENTS 




The Queer Little Tailor 7 

Bluest of Blue Birds 31 

The Little Brown Pitcher 54 

The Little Brown Man 85 


Drakestail 


114 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

“He grew tired of stitching on the same kind of trousers every 

day” 2 

“People began coming into the odd little tailor shop” 9 

“ ‘A pair of trousers for me would have to be just so long’ ” 13 

“‘Pay me? Pay me? Why that is my affair’” 15 

“‘I have torn one of my wings on a bramble’” 17 

“Lo! in a moment the broken wing was just as perfect as the 

other” ’ 20 

“He stuck one of his big claAvs right through the web” 23 

“‘The thorns tore my apron’” 25 

“‘I am always doing this,’ added Cock Robin sorrowfully” 27 

“They looked at a queer little sign” 29 

“This merry-making was a procession of children dressed in 

white ' 32 

“He had nothing in his wallet but his clasp-knife” 34 

“He flung himself upon his knees to thank him” 37 

“Desired him to open the ball with his eldest daughter” 41 

“‘I will hang another chain of coral about your neck’” 45 

“He was nearly struck dumb to find that it was not blue at all” 49 
“Sir Don was more than a mile from the castle grounds in five 

minutes” 51 

“She married an honest, handsome youth whom she dearly loved” 5^ 

“Pigeons flew down from their house” 55 

“She lifted the pitcher up so the old woman might drink” a.. 57 

“In an instant the pitcher was standing on two little brown legs” 62 

“He was overcome Avith AA’onder”.., 65 

“Mopping the red tile of the floor” 67 

“Patty’s face AA^as shining Avith happiness” 71 

“The handsome stranger asked Patty the Avay to the next town”. . 73 

“The people stood about telling each other the good things 

Patty had done for them” 75 

“He poured soup” 76 

“Knelt at Patty’s feet” 81 

“They came in sight of their OAvn castle” 83 

“They considered themselA^es very Avise” 85 

“ ‘T am very hungry and thirsty’” 89 

“He carried it to an inn” 91 

“‘Young ladies, AA’hat are you about?”’ 93 

“The Princess burst into a great fit of laughter” 96 

“One after another he removed these boulders” 99 

“ ‘Ten cannons fire’ ” ” * ’ . 103 

“BleAV a little silver AA’histle” 107 

“Then Dumbling dressed in one of his beautiful suits” 109 

“‘Quack, quack, quack, T Avant my money back’” 115 

“‘■Make yourself quite small’” 116 

“His face became red Avith rage” 123 

“They all jumped pell-mell from the AvindoAv” !.!!.! 125 

“He became King” 127 


THE QUEER LITTLE TAILOR 


O NCE upon a time there was an odd little 
tailor shop on a crooked, crooked street 
in a quaint little town. * 

Inside the shop three little tailors sat cross- 
legged on a hard wooden bench. They 
stitched, stitched, ’stitched on just one kind 
of trousers all day long. 

•' Two of the tailors did not mind it in the 
least. They knew just where to put each 
stitch and just how many stitches to make. 

It was ever so much easier than having to 
make new kinds of garments. Why, they 
hardly had to think about their work at all! 

But the third tailor was a queer little old 
man, a very queer little old man indeed! He 
liked to think about his work. He grew ever 
so tired of stitching on the same kind of 
trousers every day and every day. 

And so, one day, after he had worked for 
7 


8 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

thirteen years in the odd little shop on the 
crooked, crooked street in the quaint little 
town, he decided to — what do you suppose? 
Why, he decided to run away! 

It was a very venturesome thing for the 
little old tailor to do, because after a manjias 
stitched for thirteen years on one kind of 
trousers he grows sort of fitted to those 
trousers, you know. 

During all the thirteen years that the queer 
little tailor had been stitching and stitching, 
he had also been thinking and thinking. He 
began by thinking about the kind of trousers 
he was stitching. He ended by thinking 
about the kind of trousers he would like to 
stitch and that was what made him run 
away. 

One morning, when people began coming 
into the odd little tailor shop on the crooked, 
crooked street in the quaint little town, there 
were only two tailors sitting cross-legged on 
the hard wooden bench. 

And where was the third little tailor— the 



10 


()\CE UPON A TIME STORIES 


queer little tailor who had sat cross-legged on 
the same wooden bench and stitched for 
thirteen _years ? 

Out in the cool, leafy woods, close to the 
edge of a clear, little pond, the queer little 
tailor was sitting cross-legged on the fresh, 
green grass. He was stitching away on a 
pair of trousers— hut they weren’t the same 
kind of trousers, no, indeed. 

What kind of trousers were they? 

^ou never could guess in all your days. 
They were so little, so very little, and so fine, 
so extremely fine, that nobody bigger than a 
grasshopper could wear them — and they were 
for a grasshopper! 

While the queer little tailor was stitching 
away on the one kind of trousers that men 
wear, he had thought about the woods and 
the fields. He had thought about the birds 
among the trees, and the odd little hopping- 
creatures among the grass roots. 

Finally a .strange little notion had formed 
% itself in his mind. He would go and set up a 


THE QUEER LITTLE TAILOR 11 

little shop for himself in the woods. He 
would not make just one kind of trousers 
there. 

He would make trousers and vests and 
coats and gowns tor every customer that 
came to him. He was sure he could do it, for 
was not his cutting of the I’ery best? And 
his stitches, were they not the very finest 
and firmest that could be set? 

And so one morning, as I told you, there 
were only two tailors sitting cross-legged on 
the hard wooden bench in the odd little shop 
on the crooked, crooked street in the quaint 
little town. 

And one little tailor was sitting cross- 
legged on the fresh, green grass in a bit of 
woodland. Beside him, standing upright 
upon one wooden leg, was a funny little sign 
which announced the queer little tailor’s 
business. 

This funny little sign standing upon one 
wooden leg set forth the new business of the 
queer little tailor as follows: 


12 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

TAII.ORING AND REPAIRING 
for 

BIRDS AND INSECTS 
and for ALL who are RAGGED 
and NEEDY 

It was surprising how quickly customers 
began coming to the shop in the greenwood. 
The queer little tailor had just set his sign 
firmly upon its one wooden leg, and crossed 
his own legs ready for work, when Grass- 
hopper Green hopped up to him and 
stretched out a leg to its greatest length, as 
much as to say, “A pair of trousers for me 
would have to be just so long." 

“To be sure; to be sure,” said the tailor. 
“I’m so glad you’ve come to be fitted!” He 
took out the tiniest tape line and measured 
Grasshopper Green’s legs and the size of his 
waist. 

Then he took out the tiniest pair of shears 
and cut, snip! snip! into a bit of the finest 
green cloth, and then he began to sew. Oh! 
such fine little stitches as he made! 



pair of troiisei^s for me would have to he just so long 


14 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

Never before had he done such a delightful 
bit of work! And the queer little tailor sat 
and smiled and smiled as he sewed. 

For awhile the Iavo little tailors in the odd 
little shop on the crooked, crooked street in 
the quaint little town, stitched and stitched 
as they used to do. But when noontime came 
they hopped down off the hard wooden bench 
and started out to find the third little tailor. 

When they found him, sitting cross-legged 
on the cool, green grass, beside the funny 
little sign, and stitching away on tlie trousers 
for Grasshopper Green, they threw up their 
hands and rolled up their eyes and didn’t 
know what to think. 

At last one of the tailors said to the queer 
little tailor, “But who will pay you for mak- 
ing trousers like these?” 

“Pay me? Pay me?” exclaimed the queer 
little tailor, “wh.y, that is my affair!” 

The two little tailors ran back as fast as 
ever they could go. They climbed up on the 
hard wooden bench. They stitched away 



'Pay mef Pay mef Why that is my affair’ ” 


ft- 


/ . 



16 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


faster than ever to make up for the time they 
had lost in looking for the third little tailor. 

The queer little tailor laughed when he 
saw the two tailors running away. Then he 
gave a funny little “Q-r-r-r,” and immedi- 
ately Grasshopper Green came hopping after 
his new pair of trousers. He pulled them on, 
first over one leg and then over the other leg, 
and, do you know, they fitted him just 
exactly! 

That eA^ening, when Grasshopper Green 
was frying sliced wheat-stalks for supper. 
Miss Phyllis Butterfly came along. 

“Oh, dear, dear me!” she was lamenting, 
and when Grasshopper -Green looked up he 
jaw that she was half fluttering, half creep- 
ing over the grass. 

“Why, whatever is the matter?” he ex- 
claimed in astonishment. 

“I have torn one of my wings on a 
bramble,” she replied, “and I can never fly 
any more.” The poor butterfly looked dis- 
tressed enough to weep. 




c c 


I have torn one of my tvings on a bramhle 


y y 




18 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


“Oh, cheer up, cheer up!” exclaimed Grass- 
hopper Greeu liriskly. “That would have 
been a sad affair, indeed, a few days ago. 
Xow we have a tailor in the greenwood, and 
he can sew most beautifully. I am sure he 
can mend your wing so that it will be quite 
as good as new. See!” he added, straighten- 
ing himself up and stretching out his legs. 
“He made me tliese new trousers.” 

“What a perfect fit,” said Miss Phyllis 
Butterfly admiringly. “Do you think he 
really can mend my torn wing?” 

“Sure of it! Sure of it!” chirped Grass- 
hopper Green, nodding his head emphatically. 
“I’ll take you to his shop myself in the 
morning. 

“Won’t you have a slice of fried wheat- 
stalk before you go on?” he added, giving his 
frying pan a skillful turn. 

“Oh, thank you, no,” replied Miss Phyllis 
Butterfly graciously — she never ate wheat- 
stalks — “but if you will take me to the tailor 
shop in the greenwood to-morrow morning. 


THE QUEER LITTLE TAILOR 19 

I’ll be very grateful indeed.” 

Then she started on, half fluttering and 
half creeping over the grass as before. 

The next morning the queer little tailor 
had hardly time to cross his legs on the cool, 
green grass, when hop! hop! came Grasshop- 
per Green upon his knee. Fluttering and 
creeping over the grass behind him came a 
beautiful butterfly with golden wings all 
dotted with black. 

“My, my!” said the queer little tailor, 
noticing at once the torn and tattered wing. 
Before Miss Phyllis Butterfly had time to 
say a word, he had reached out his hand and 
placed her upon his other knee. 

He took a tiny spool of the flnest, golden 
thread from his vest pocket. He began to 
weave the thread back and forth with the 
flnest, tiniest stitches. Lo! in a moment the 
broken wing was just as perfect as the other. 

“Oh, thank you, thank you!” said the beau- 
tiful butterfly. Then she spread her golden 
wings and flew up into the air. And the 


20 


OiNCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


queer little tailor smiled and smiled, as he 
watched her float away. 

Grasshopper Green gave two jerks of his 
funny little head — they were meant for 
“Thank you” — and hopped away again. 

Presently Spider Lightfoot came running 
I over the grass. He stopped directly 
jA in front of the queer little tailor. 

began spinning a web on the 
grass blades. 



“Ah,'' said the little 
tailor, “now I can take 
a lesson in 


spinning 
while I 
rest.” He 
watched 
Spider 
Lightfoot as 
he spun his 
fairy-like 
threads and 
wove them 


into a beautiful web. 


THE QUEER LITTLE TAILOR 


21 


But the web was only just finished, when 
along came awkward Johnny Turtle, on his 
way to the pond. He stuck one of his claws 
right through the web. 

“I declare!” exclaimed Spider Lightfoot, 
flying into a temper. “Did you ever see any- 
thing so awkward in your life? It isn’t an 
easy matter to spin a web like that. Now I 
must go to work at once and repair it. It is 
really too provoking.” 

Just then Spider Lightfoot caught sight of 
Sally Snail, following slowly after Johnny 
Turtle. He ran up to Sally Snail and told 
her what he thought of Johnny Turtle’s awk- 
ward ways, and sent him a very saucy mes- 
sage. 

“He may see fit to challenge me to a duel 
for that,” said Spider Lightfoot to himself, 
“but I am much quicker than he, if I am 
small, so I shall not be afraid.” He started 
back to mend his torn web, and what do you 
suppose? 

Well, when he got there, the queer little 


22 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


tailor was just taking the last stitch. The 
web was mended as neatly as Spider Light- 
foot himself could have done it. 

“Why!” exclaimed Spider Lightfoot, al- 
most too astonished to speak. He bowed 
profoundly to the queer little tailor, and said, 
“I never met anybody before who could do 
that! 

“Do you wear a nightcap f’ he asked sud- 
denly. And when the queer little tailor said 
that he did, he fairly danced with joy. “I’ll 
make you a lace one this very day. Will you 
wear it?” he asked, anxiously. “There are so 
few things I can make for a man to wear.” 

“Why, to he sure I’ll wear it!” said the 
queer little tailor gleefully. Then Spider 
Lightfoot ran away to begin his task. The 
tailor turned suddenly, for he thought he 
heard a child crying. 

And sure enough he had. 

Coming through the bushes at the edge of 
the wood was little Dorothea Doyourbestest, 
who lived in a cabin on the farther side of the 


THE QUEER LITTLE TAILOR 


23 


pond. Dorothea had her two fat fists dug so 
deeply into her two eyes that it made her 
cheeks look fatter than ever. Over one arm 
hung a pail, and in the pail were big, juicy 
blackberries. 

“What’s the matter, little girl?” asked the 
queer little tailor, though he did 
not really need to ask, for her 
pretty blue apron hung all in 
tatters. 

“I’ve been gathering black- 
berries for mother,” sobbed 



lie stuck one of his big claws right through the web’ 



24 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


Dorothea, still with her fists at her eyes, “and 
the blackberry thorns tore my apron all to 
pieces.” 

“Will mother scold?” asked the queer little 
tailor — and all the time he was working away 
faster than he ever had worked in the odd 
little shojj in the crooked, crooked street. 

“No,” sobbed Dorothea. “Mother won’t 
scold; but Aunt Maria will.” 

“But there’s nothing the matter with your 
apron,” said the queer little tailor. “Look 
and see.” 

Dorothea Doyourbestest took her two fists 
down from her eyes, and her apron was as 
good as new ! Why, she could hardly believe 
her eyesight! 

She hugged the queer little tailor and 
popped a luscious blackberry right into his 
mouth, and ran away toward home, laughing. 

And the queer little tailor smiled and 
smiled as he watched her. 

“I’m sure my wife will scold, for she Just 
sewed them on this very morning.” 



^‘The thor'ns tore my apron’’ 



26 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

The queer little tailor looked up into the 
tree branch that hung just over his head, and 
there sat Cock Robin with his little red vest 
all open and every button off! 

“Goodness me!” said the queer little tailor. 
“Do come here.” 

Instantly Cock Robin flew to his knee. 

“I’ll tell you how it happened,” said Robin. 
“Jimmie and Jackie Blue jay each found a 
nice fat worm at the same time. But instead 
of swallowing them instantly, as sensible 
birds would do, J ackie wanted the worm that 
Jimmie had, and Jimmie wanted the worm 
that Jackie had, and in their greed each 
dropped his own. 

“Just then a hen came along and swal- 
lowed both worms, and Jimmie and Jackie 
looked so cut up that I laughed until all the 
buttons flew off my vest. 

“I am always doing this,” added Cock 
Robin sorrowfully, “and it quite troubles my 
wife; but I really can’t help laughing.” 

“Dear me, dear me!” said the queer little 


THE QUEER LITTLE TAILOR 


27 



Cock Robin thanked him and buttoned up 
his vest— for the queer little tailor had sewed 
all the buttons on again — and went away 
home to Mrs. Robin. 

And that was the way it happened, day 
after day at the queer little tailor shop in the 
greenwood. The queer little tailor wore his 


I 


28 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

lace nightcap o’ nights and sat cross-legged 
on the cool, green grass and sewed and sewed 
o’ daytimes. 

And as he sewed and sewed, he thought 
and thought. He thought about a far-away 
country where there were never cold, cold 
nights, and where everything was beautiful 
all the days. 

One day — such a quiet day it was in the 
greenwood, for the birds had flown away to 
the warm southland, and Grasshopper Green 
and Johnny Turtle and Sally Snail and 
Phyllis Butterfly had all hidden away in 
their winter homes— the queer little tailor 
went away. And nobody ever saw him 
again! 

But when summer returned Dorothea 
Doyourbestest and Phyllis Butterfly and 
Johnny Turtle and Sally Snail and Grass- 
hopper Green and Cock Robin came back to 
the greenwood, and had such good times! 
For Dorothea always remembered to put on 
her oldest apron when she went blackberry- 



^‘They looked at a queer little sign’^ 



30 


ONCE UPON A TIME STOPJES 


ing, Phyllis Butterfly didn’t complain when 
things went wrong, and Spider Lightfoot had 
learned to keep his temper. 

Sally Snail never repeated any angry mes- 
sages, and Johnny Turtle was much less awk- 
ward and looked where he put his foot, while 
Grasshopper Green spent all his time in 
cheering up and helping everybody. Even 
Cock Robin held his sides when he laughed, 
so that the buttons should not fly off his vest. 

But if any of them ever did feel cross or 
spiteful or mean, they knew how to cure 
themselves right away. 

They went straight to the part of the 
greenwood close by the clear, little pond. 
There they looked at a queer little sign which 
still read: 

TAILORING AND REPAIRING 
for 

BIRDS AND INSECTS 
and for ALL who are RAGGED 
and NEEDY 


Julia Darrolo Cowles. 


BLUEST OP BLUE BIEDS 


/^UCE upon a time, when the world was 
new, and wishing was having, there 
lived a youth called Pablo. This youth was 
a bird-cage maker. 

Pablo iived in a little tumble-down house 
in a little tumble-down village. 

He would work at making bird-cages for a 
few days and then he would take them to the 
neighboring villages and sell them. 

But his trade was a poor one. He judged 
himself in luck if he sold one cage in a day. 
As may be supposed, he knew what sorrow 
and poverty were. 

One day as he was proceeding to a village 
he heard sounds of merry-making. He heard 
the buzz of many people, and the strains of 
a band of music. 

This merry-making was a procession of 
children dressed in white. They were carry- 
31 


32 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 



ing in their midst a beautiful little girl 
crowned with roses. She was seated in a 
chariot covered with white satin and deco- 
rated with beautiful flowers and evergreens. 

This procession of children was a May 
Party. The little girl crowned with roses 



BLUEST OP BLUE BIRDS 


33 


was the May Queen. They were celebrating 
May Day. 

In front of the little chariot a number of 
children danced. They held in their hands 
tin platters for gifts of money. As may be 
imagined, all, or nearly all, the spectators 
dropped their coins into the platters. 

Pablo moved away from them in a sad 
frame of mind, saying to himself as he 
walked on: “Is this the justice of the world? 
There they are flinging their money into 
these platters just because these children 
come in procession to announce to them that 
it is the month of May. 

“They act as though they could not find out 
that it is May by looking in the almanac. 
They barter and grind me down to the lowest 
price for my cages, even when I chance to 
sell one.” 

Full of these bitter thoughts he walked on 
sadly. The voice of a very great enemy, 
hunger, was making itself heard within him. 

He had nothing in his wallet but his clasp- 


34 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

knife. He had had 
nought for his break- 
fast but hopes, and 
these made him sharp 
and active. 

As he walked along 
with these bitter 
thoughts he saw a well- 
dressed man coming to- 
wards him. Pressed by 
hunger, Pablo, taking 
his hat off politely, approached the man and 
said: “Excuse me, sir, but could you give me 
a trifle? 1 promise I will return it as soon 
as I earn some money.” 

“Don’t you think it is a shameful thing for 
a man like you, young and strong, to be 
begging of people? Does it not strike you 
that you have a duty to earn your living by 
working at your trade?” 

“Yes, sir, certainly, but my trade does not 



‘‘Tie had noting in his 
wallet hut his clasp-knife" 


BLUEST OP BLUB BIRDS 


35 


fulfil its own duty. Most people like to see 
the birds flying about free rather than in 
cages. Therefore, day by day, I find myself 
poorer than before.” 

At first the stranger doubted what he 
heard. The bird-cage maker, however, gave 
him a careful account of his work, and of the 
small profits he made. The stranger soon 
became interested and sympathized with his 
ill-fortune. Pablo was a man who always 
knew how to get other people interested in 
himself. 

“Come, come,” said the stranger, smiling, 
“I will do something for you. I cannot find 
buyers for your bird-cages, but I can help 
you in another way. I cannot give you 
money, but I will give you something that is 
more valuable. If you use this help I give 
you rightly you shall never more be in want.” 

The stranger then took out a fife and 
played a few notes clear and sweet, that 
sounded like the song of a bird. 

Pablo saw flying before him a bird, blue as 


36 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

Ihe sky, which came and perched on one of 
his cages. 

“See here,” added the stranger, “is a gift 
that will make up for all your past misery. 
From this day forth you have only to wish for 
what you want. Then say slowly and clearly: 
‘Bluest of blue birds, do jmur duty!’ and your 
wish will be granted to you. Take care, ,how- 
ever, you do not wish for money. Anything 
else except money will be granted.” 

“By my faith!” cried Pablo, “but I will try 
it at once. For the last twenty years I have 
wished to have all I can eat. ‘Bluest of blue 
birds, do your duty!’” 

At once there was spread before him on the 
grass a breakfast lit for a prince. This de- 
licious meal was served in beautiful dishes of 
silver and glass, all placed upon the whitest 
of cloths, Pablo was so surprised that he 
flung himself upon his knees before the 
stranger to thank him. 

The stranger raised him up, saying: “I am 
the good helper of the honest working people 



flung 


upon his knees to thauk him 


y y 


» 




38 


OXCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


of this country. Sit down and eat without 
fear. Make good use of your Lucky Star. 
Please remember, do not wish for money. If 
you want money 3’ou must work for it.” Then 
the stranger disappeared as if he had sunk 
into the ground. 

Pablo could not find words to express his 
thanks but he knelt down and kissed the 
place where the stranger had stood. 

He then sat down and ate his breakfast. 
After his fine meal, he began to take note of 
his old suit of clothes. Said he, ‘T wish to 
have a better suit than these old well-worn 
V orking clothes. I wish also for a fine horse 
to ride.” Lifting his staff up, he cried, 
“Bluest of blue birds, do your duty.” 

In an instant his old suit changed into one 
of richest velvet, trimmed in gold and silver. 
His rough staff changed into a splendid 
horse, saddled and bridled, and having round 
its neck a collar of silver bells. 

Pablo was so surprised at what had hap- 
pened that he could scarcely get his breath 


BLUEST OP BLUE BIRDS 


33 


for a few moments. Finally he fastened the 
cage with the blue bird to the saddle. He 
leaped on the horse and rode away. As he 
rode along he took time to look himself over. 
He was as proud of his new clothes as a 
donkey is of its ears. 

He said to himself, “Now I will go forth in 
search of adventure. I don’t think I shall 
need to work any more. True, I haven’t any 
money. According to this gift I can get 
monej’ only bj'" working for it. Why should 
I have money? The bird will give me what- 
ever I want. So I don’t need any money.” 

But he could not get the matter of money 
out of his mind. The more he thought about 
it, the more he wanted money. He said to 
himself, “I am too high up in the world now 
to think about working. So I must manage 
to get money in some other way. I must hear 
the sound of coins jingling in my pockets.” 

His new horse was a fine one and traveled 
very fast. He soon reached the gates of a 
splendid castle. A feast was taking place 


40 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

within. The guests were all seated under a 
shady bower. 

They had been disappointed in the mu- 
sicians who were to have played. The lord of 
the castle was very sorry that the musicians 
had disappointed them. Said he, “Music is 
the only thing lacking to make a perfect 
day.” 

Now this lord of the castle was an old 
miser. He paid the musicians so poorly that 
they did not wish to play for his parties. 
That is the reason they had not come. 

“It is really too bad to be disappointed m 
this manner,” said the lord of the castle. 
“Those musicians do not appreciate the large 
fees I have been giving them.” 

Pablo, on hearing this, advanced to the 
bower. He very politely bowed to the lord 
and lady of the castle. 

Then in a most polite manner he said: 

“If it be right for a simple knight to otfer 
to assist such a noted company of rank and 
beauty, I think I can promise to provide 



^‘Desired him to open the ’ball with his eldest daughter^* 


42 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

delightful and appropriate music for you.” 

“Oh, do at once, please!” cried all the ladies 
^vho ^vere longing to dance. 

“Bluest of blue birds, do your duty!” said 
Pablo. 

Suddenly in the distance was heard the 
noise of many feet. A troop of musicians 
with their instruments soon appeared, to the 
great delight of the company. 

The lord of the castle thanked the stranger 
warmly, and desired him to open the ball 
with his eldest daughter, a maiden fair and 
lovely, like a snow bird. 

When the ball was at its height, Pablo 
ordered an elegant banquet to be served. 
During the banquet the bluest of blue birds 
sang beautiful songs, which were much ad- 
mired by the company. 

Games of chance followed, and Pablo, tak- 
ing advantage of his good fortune, dis- 
tributed among the ladies pearls, bracelets, 
and rings of precious stones. All those 
present were surprised beyond measure, be- 


BLUEST OP BLUE BIRDS 43 

cause the lord of the castle was known to be 
very miserly. 

But the lord of the castle knew that all this 
had been done by the bluest of blue birds. 
This lord, being very stingy and greedy, 
thought he might do a fine stroke of business 
were he to purchase the bird. 

Hence, calling Pablo away to his study, he 
proposed to him to purchase the bird for 
what price he should quote. 

“You would never give me my price,” re- 
l^lied Pablo. 

“For it I will give you one hundred thou- 
sand dollars,” said the lord of the castle. 

“It is not enough.” 

“Very well, I will add two hundred thou- 
sand more.” 

“That is still not enough,” cried Pablo. 

“I will make it one million dollars then!” 

“I want something else!” 

“What, still more? Why, man, you must 
want paradise itself!” 

“Not so; I want what you can give me this 


44 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

very moment. I want your daughter with 
whom I danced just now! Let her be my 
bride in addition to the million dollars. The 
million will keep us nicely.” 

“What! my daughter!” cried the old miser 
with very great joy. “By my faith, we shall 
soon conclude the bargain. Why did you not 
say so before? We shall celebrate the wed- 
ding tomorrow.” 

He soon found his daughter, and told her 
of the engagement he had made for her. But 
she was greatly surprised and cried out: “But 
what if he is a wicked elf, and all he does be 
witchcraft?” 

“You have a chain of coral hanging from 
your neck. It is a sure proof against all 
witchery.” 

“And what if he be the prince of evil him- 
self?” 

“I will hang another chain of coral about 
your neck, and he will have no power over 
you,” replied the old miser. 

He bade her get ready for the wedding 


BLUEST OF BLUE BIRDS 


45 


which he had planned for the next day. He 
then called his treasurer and told him to 
count out a million dollars, and have it ready 
to deliver to Pablo. 

It took the treasurer 
and his assistants quite a 
little time to count out so 
much money. They were 
fortunate to have many 
large bills and large gold 
pieces. The money was 
finally piled in a heap on 
a large table. Pablo was 
shown the heap of money, 
million times as much money as he had ever 
seen at one time in his whole life. 

But he did not show his great surprise at 
seeing so much money. He acted as if he 
were used to being rich. 

Arrangements were made for him to de- 
liver the bluest of blue birds to the lord of 
the castle the next day just before the wed- 



will hang another 
chain of coral dboxd 
your nech^’ 

This was about a 


46 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

ding. At that time, also, he should receive in 
exchange his million dollars. 

Pablo had announced his name to the lord 
of the castle as being Sir Don Pablo, Knight 
of the Lucky Star. This name sounded very 
fine on the wedding invitations that were 
sent out that evening to a number of dis- 
tinguished friends of the lord and lady of the 
castle. 

The magic horse of Sir Don was carefully 
taken care of by the lord’s groom. Sir Don 
himself was lodged in the most beautiful 
room of the castle. He took personal charge 
of his bluest of blue birds. He hung the cage 
on the bed-post. He was very careful not to 
let this great prize get out of his sight. 

He was so happy he could not sleep that 
night. Said he to himself, “Did anyone ever 
have such luck? I can hardly believe all this 
is real. A million dollars tomorrow, and the 
most beautiful bride in the world! With a 
million dollars I am sure we shall never want 
for anything. As often as I put my hands in 


BLUEST OP BLUE BIRDS 


47 


my pockets there will be money at the 
bottom.” 

Morning finallj^ came, and with it a most 
perfect day. All were up bright and early to 
get ready for the wedding w^hich was to hap- 
pen at two o’clock. 

Sir Don called on the bluest of blue birds 
for a fine wedding suit. When he was decked 
out in the suit furnished, he certainly looked 
the part of Sir Don Pablo, Knight of the 
Lucky Star. 

He ordered the bluest of blue birds to fur- 
nish a wedding outfit for the bride that should 
be the most beautiful that ever graced a bride 
in all the world before. The outfit furnished 
was of such dazzling beauty of silk and 
jewels, that when one beheld it he was 
obliged to go outside and look at the sun to 
rest his eyes. 

It was near two o’clock. All the noted 
guests were assembled. A real bishop, who 
was to perform the ceremony, had arrived. 

The time had now come for Sir Don to de- 


48 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

liver the bluest of blue birds over to the lord 
of the castle, and receive his million dollars 
in return. 

It had been arranged to make this ex- 
change just before the wedding ceremony. 
The money was to be packed upon the back 
of the magic horse. Then after the ceremony 
Sir Don and his bride were to mount the 
horse and ride away. 

The lord of the castle called the guests 
together to witness the exchange. The mil- 
lion dollars was carefully packed in great 
saddle-bags and placed on Sir Don’s magic 
horse. 

Then Sir Don took the cage containing the 
bluest of blue birds, and, with great polite- 
ness, delivered it into the hands of the lord 
of the castle. 

What do you think happened? 

The wedding guests were all gathered in 
little groups discussing the wonderful pow- 
ers of the bird and all the events which had 
taken place. 


BLUEST OP BLUE BIRDS 


49 



“Peace! peace!” cried the lord of the castle. 
“I now possess the bluest of blue birds, and 
I will perform more wonderful things than 
ever did Sir Don. Approach and see the 
wonders I will work with it.” 


50 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

This old miserly lord had made the ar- 
rangement to have this bird delivered to him 
just before the wedding ceremony so he could 
command it to furnish the wedding dinnei’. 

He now took the cage and lifting it up to 
look at the bird, was nearly struck dumb to 
find that it was not blue at all, but was a large 
gray owl. It turned and stared at the lord 
in a frightful manner, and gave a fierce peck 
at the door of the cage with its beak, and 
flung it open. Tlien it flew out of the window 
with a terrible sci'eech. 

The lord of the castle Stood with open 
mouth, not knov.fing what to do or say. His 
guests broke out in peals of laughter at his 
confusion and well-deserved punishment for 
his exchanging a million dollars and his 
beautiful daughter for a worthless bird. 

In a moment the old miser recovered 
enough to bethink himself of Sir Don, the 
magic horse, and the million dollars. The 
magic horse with the million dollars loaded 
on his back had disappeared as if it had 







K 

i 






m 


Sir Don teas more than a mile from the castle grounds in five 

minutes” 





52 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

sunk into the ground or become thin air. 

There stood Sir Don Pablo, Knight of the 
Lucky Star, dressed in the very same old 
clothes he wore before he saw the Lucky 
Star. He also held the same old staff in his 
hand. He was again Pablo, the bird-cage 
maker. He had not used his gift rightly and 
his good luck completely vanished. 

The lord of the castle cried out in great 
anger at Pablo, calling him the prince of evil. 
He bade him leave his presence quickly and 
forever. In order to hasten him away, the 
lord commanded his butler and treasurer to 
take hazel switches and use them lively upon 
Sir Don. 

This they did with such good effect that 
Sir Don was more than a mile from the castle 
grounds in less than five minutes. 

He went back to his little tumble-down 
house in the little tumble-down village. He 
worked at the same trade in the same way, 
and was as poor and hungry as ever. 

And was the fair and lovely daughter sorry 


BLUEST OF BliUE BIRDS 


53 



She married an honest , handsome youth whom she dearly loved” 


that she missed wedding Sir Don? Not at all. 
Her beautiful fairy wedding outfit remained 
with her, and she had use for it in a short 
time. She married an honest, handsome 
youth whom she dearly loved, and they lived 
happily forever afterwards. 


THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 


NCE upon a time there lived a little girl 



by the name of Patty who was the most 
charming little girl in her village; all the 
neighbors said so. Patty loved everybody 
and everything. In return she was rewarded 
by the love of all who knew her. 

The i^igeons flew down from their house to 
coo around her. The fowls were not afraid 
of her and fed from her hand. Even the 
steady, old dog, Blntf, performed the strang- 
est antics jnst to amuse her. They all knew 
how kind and good she was, although they 
could not say so. 

Patty was very industrious, too. When 
she was very small she would hurry around 
and do little things in the handiest way. She 
could sew so well that her teacher at school 
praised her work, and made it an example to 
the other children. 


54 



THE LITTLE BROWN I'lTClIEl! 


Always, when Patty went to the spring 
with her pitcher she would till it with the 
cool bubbling water, and sing. Her songs 
were the happiest songs in the world because 
her heart was full of joy. 

One day, Patty had 
filled her i^itcher at the 
spring and was carry- 
ing it home. She was 
almost home when she 
saw a poor, old woman 
sitting upon the fallen 
trunk of a tree. The 
old woman was cov- 
ered with dust. She 
had been travelling a 

long way and she was « Pigeons flew down from 
.so tired she could 
hardly hold her ej’es open. 

The old woman looked longingly at the 
fresh water in Patty’s pitcher. She saw the 
happy .smile on Patty’s face, and so finally 
had courage to ask for a drink. 

“Dear little child,” said she in a feeble 


56 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


voice, “let me cool my parched tongue with a 
drink from your pitcher. I am very old, and 
faint, and weary.” 

“To be sure, mother, and welcome,” said 
Patty. She lifted the pitcher up so the old 
woman might drink all she wanted. 

Long and eagerly did the poor creature 
drink: so long, indeed, that Patty was quite 
surprised. 

“Thank you, my darling. Heaven will re- 
ward you for your kindness to the poor and 
aged,” said the old woman. 

“Oh! you’re quite welcome, mother,” re- 
plied Patty. Again she went on her way, but 
she had not gone far before she met a large 
dog. The day was warm, and the dog looked 
very tired. His eyes were red and his tongue 
was hanging out of his mouth. 

“Poor fellow,” said Patty, and she stooped 
down to pat him. The dog knew there was 
water in the pitcher, and he tried to tell 
Patty in his own language, how very thirsty 
he was. She knew what the dog wanted. 



'■rZ==>OfioT HK 7=>«/t//^ 


‘‘She lifted the pitcher up so the old woman might drink‘^ 



58 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

Slie looked about and found an old pan beside 
the road into which she i^oui’ed water for 
him. 

He lapped and lapped until she began to 
think he would never stop. At last he had 
had enough, and looked up into Patty’s eyes. 
He was very grateful, but could onh' tell her 
with his eyes and his joyful bark. 

Soon after Patty met a group of children. 
They had been gathering flowers and playing 
about the fields. They were tired and thirsty, 
so Patty told them to hold their hands to- 
gether for cups. She filled each little cup 
and made them drink. 

“Will you please take this nosegay?” they 
said, and offered her the prettiest flowers 
they had. 

“Let me fasten it on,” said the smallest one 
of the group. So Patty stooped down while 
the little one pinned the flowers on her dress. 
Each grateful child gave Patty a kiss, and 
then ran off to plaj^ again. 

Patty looked into her pitcher, and found 


THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 59 

that it was more than half empty. She must 
have all her Journey to the spring over again. 
There would be no use in going home with 
only half a pitcher. 

There were drooping flowers beside the 
road so she gave them the benefit of all that 
remained in the pitcher. Their little faces 
looked u}) again to the sun, and they seemed 
to thank her with their nodding heads. 

Back to the spring she went, without a 
thought about her trouble. She was Just 
about to stoop and dip her pitcher into the 
water, when she thought she saw something 
glistening there. 

She watched, and watched, until she saw a 
sweet little face looking up at her. And there 
floated out of the water and stood before her, 
one of the most beautiful of fairies. The 
fairy stood upon the water as easily as Patty 
stood on the ground, and she was not really 
higher than the pitcher. 

“So, Patty, you have come back again, my 
dear.” You see, she knew Patty. 


60 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


“Yes, madam,” replied Patty, rather 
alarmed; “yes, madam, because I — ” 

“I know all about it,” said the fairy, stop- 
ping her; “and I am here because I know. I 
am a friend only to the good and kind. I 
have come to make you a very useful 
present.” 

“A present!” said Patty, surprised and 
pleased. 

“Yes! It is a reward for your goodness of 
heart toward others and your little thought 
for yourself. I see you have forgotten all the 
kind things you have done. It is right to for- 
get the good we do to others and to remember 
only what they do for us. 

“You have always done so, my dear little 
Patty. For your reward I will place a spell 
on your pitcher. In the future it shall always 
be full of water or milk, as you may wish it. 
It shall also be able to walk and to speak 
whenever you may require it, and shall al- 
ways be your friend in trouble. 

“Never fear, always trust your pitcher. 


THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 61 

If by any mishap it should be parted from 
you, it will be able to find you again. It will 
always be by your side to advise and protect 
you when you need it. 

“Do not be afraid to accept the gift, Patty 
dear. I am one of the fairies who oppose all 
that is evil. It is because of your goodness 
that you have been able to see me and to hear 
me speaking. 

“So put your pitcher down by your side, 
Patty.” Patty did as she was desired. “Now 
look into it.” 

’ Patty did so, and, to her astonishment, be- 
held the bright water gradually rising until 
the pitcher was full to the brim. When she 
saw it was full she was going to lift it up, 
but she found it too heavy for her strength. 

“You need not trouble yourself to carry it,” 
said the fairy smiling; “it will save you all 
further trouble of that kind.” 

With these words the fairy touched the 
pitcher with her wand. In an instant the 
pitcher was standing on two little brown legs. 



THE LITTLE BROWN PlTCHEl! 


63 


made of the same stone as the rest, and made 
a polite little bow to Patty. 

“Now, Patty,” said the fairy, “follow your 
pitcher and you cannot do wrong.” 

As she tinished she broke into thousands 
of sparkling drops of water, and the bubbling 
sti'earn bore her away. 

Patty rubbed her eyes. She thought it 
nuLst have been a dream. She coughed and 
])iu('hed herself, and ran up and down the 
lane. At last she was convinced that she was 
awake. And there stood the little brown 
])itcher on his neat little legs, waiting for 
orders. 

“Quite ready to start, mistress,” said a 
\oiee from the pitcher. Patty screwed up 
her courage and said, “Come on, then, 
pitcher,” and set the example by starting off 
with a run. 

And did the pitcher follow her? Indeed 
it did. It ran so fast that it soon overtook 
iier, and ran before her all the way home. 
And the most wonderful thing was that al- 


64 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

though the pitcher ran along with long 
strides and jumps, over the roughest places 
in the lane, it did not spill one single drop of 
the water. 

This puzzled Patty. She had never been 
able to keep from spilling the water and wet- 
ting her frock, when she tried to run with 
the pitcher even half-full. 

“I wonder what people will think when we 
get to the village,” thought Patty, as she 
looked at her strange companion. “I’m sure 
they will be frightened. What will my 
mother and father say when they see what I 
have brought home!” 

The pitcher seemed to hear her thoughts. 
He said, “Do not trouble yourself about 
that. They will soon be accustomed to me, 
and will be pleased when they see all the good 
things I can do.” 

As he was speaking they came to a very 
high and difficult stile. 

“Shall I help you over?” said Patty, think- 
ing of his short legs. 


THE LITTLE BEOWN PITCHER 


65 



“Oh, dear, no!” said the pitcher; “see how 
easily I can get over the stile by myself.” 

So saying, he skipped right over the stile 
without a single stumble. As he did so, a 
dog that was passing, put his tail between 


66 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

his legs and ran away in great fright. 

At the same time, the squire of the village 
was passing, walking very slowly and with 
great dignity. When he saw the wonderful 
pitcher climbing over the stile with legs of 
its own, and come running toward him he 
was overcome with wonder. And pretty 
soon he forgot his dignity and began to run 
in the opposite direction. His hat flew one 
way, his cane another, and his cloak flew up 
into the air like wings as he ran. He had 
not gone far before his legs failed him. He 
fell down and lay kicking in the grass and 
roaring for help. 

Patty could not help laughing, but the 
pitcher ran on as though nothing had hap- 
pened. They soon reached the cottage, and 
the pitcher ran into the house and sat right 
down in the corner where he was always 
kept. Patty’s mother and father were 
astonished, but the pitcher was very quiet in 
his corner. They soon forgot him. 

Next morning, so early that nobody was 



THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 67 


“Mopping the red tile of the floor” 

awake, Patty heard noises in the kitchen be- 
low. She heard the swishing of water, and 
the clink of a pail-handle, and the moving 
about of furniture. She slipped on some of 
her clothes and tip-toed down the stairs. 

There she saw the pitcher, and what do 
you suppose he was doing? Why he was 


68 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

mopping the red tile of the floor as though 
he knew just how to do it. All the furniture 
was dusted clean, and a Are burned cheer- 
fully in the grate. 

Can you imagine a pitcher of water doing 
anything to a fire but putting it out? 

He had hung the kettle over the blaze, too. 
The kettle was singing a happy song about 
breakfast being nearly ready. 

“Good-morning, my good mistress,” said 
the pitcher. “You see you need not trouble 
yourself any more to do an.ything but grow 
and be happj^ I shall always be your humble 
servant.” 

Patty was certainly pleased. She liked to 
read, but she had given so much of her time 
to household duties she had never had very 
much time for her books. Now she could 
read and study whenever she pleased. 

When Patty was alone in the evening, with 
the pitcher in the corner, she told him how 
thankful to him she was. She told him how 
much she wished to learn and to read, but 


THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 69 

she did not know how to get the books she 
needed. She had read those she had many 
times over. 

“Oh! that’s very soon remedied,” said the 
pitcher. “Yon have only to wish and I will 
give you as much milk as you please. 

“Then you can make butter and cheese and 
go sell them at the market. With the money 
you make you can buy as many books as you 
like, and have plenty of money to spare.” 

No sooner said than done. Patty set out 
all the pans she had and could borrow from 
her kind neighbors. The pitcher ran about 
and filled them with rich milk, and soon she 
had plenty of cream for her butter and cheese. 
A good old neighbor lent her a churn and 
the little pitcher turned it just right. 

The butter they made was the best ever 
seen in the village. Patty was very happy 
and her parents greatly pleased. 

The same good neighbor lent her a horse 
and small market wagon. The next morning, 
bright and early, Patty and the pitcher 


70 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

started out for the next town. The good 
little pitcher walked along beside the horse 
for a little way and pointed out the right di- 
rection Patty should take. Then he went 
back to the cottage to look after the cheese. 

The pitcher knew the people of the village 
would think him strange. They were not 
accustomed to seeing brown pitchers running 
about on brown legs. 

Patty’s face was shining with happiness 
when she reached the market. Everybody 
thought her the prettiest farmer’s daughter 
there. She sold ever3^ pound of butter she 
had. She had plenty of money to buy the 
books she wanted and hurried back home to 
give her mother the remainder. 

And so the years hurried by and Patty 
grew into a beautiful young woman whom 
everybody loved. She had been verj^ suc- 
cessful in the selling of her butter and cheese. 

Her parents were now very old, and they 
lived in comfort in the neatest cottage in the 
village. You may guess she was very happ.y. 


THE LITTLE BEOWN PITCHER 


71 



One evening she was standing in the 
garden, feeding her pigeons. The roses were 
in bloom. There were hundreds of them in 
the garden of all sizes and 
colors, and they seemed 
to nod to Patty as she 
stood there. Even the 
flowers loved her. She 
made a pretty 
picture for the 
stranger who 
was passing. 


^^Pattij’s face was shining with happiness^^ 


72 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

The handsome stranger came to the gate 
and asked Patty the way to the next town. 
When she spoke, the music of her voice and 
the beauty of her face were the sweetest the 
stranger had ever seen. 

He came often to ask her the way, although 
he knew well the road to and from the neigh- 
boring city. 

At last, she _ound it was the way to her 
heart he was seeking. He told her parents 
that he was rich. He wished a wufe of whom 
everybody spoke well, since his own fortune 
was a great plenty for two. 

The parents smiled upon the stranger. 
With all his wealth they did not think him 
one bit too good for their Patty. And so, in 
the course of a short time, they were married. 

Grieat Joy was in the village on the day of 
the wedding. If the queen had visited the 
A illage there could not have been more glad- 
ness of heart. The day was made a holiday. 
All the shops were closed, and everybody 
dressed their best in honor of the bride. 



The handsome stranger asked Patty the way to the next town 











74 ONCE UPON A TIME STOKIES 

The people stood about telling each other 
the good things Patty had done for them. 
The poor women spoke of the clothes she had 
made for them. 

Some had received nice little dishes of 
good things to eat when the.y were ill. Many 
of the young girls had been taught, to sew, 
and the children had been taught to read. 

The church was filled with Patty’s friends 
who loved her. She was very happy, as you 
may well imagine. She might have had the 
most gorgeous wedding garments in the 
world. But she decided to wear a simple 
little white frock, made in the fashion she 
had always worn here among her friends. 

It was in the spring-time and the trees 
were covered with blossoms. Patty made a 
wreath of the apple blossoms and carried 
a bridal bouquet of the pinkest of the cherry 
blossoms. How beautiful she was! 

The stranger who had married Patty took 
her home to his palace. The humble little 
Patty found that her dear husband had made 



*^The people stood about telling each other the good things Patty 

bad done for them” 


I 




76 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


her a princess. He gave her all the jewels 
and beautiful things that the princesses be- 
fore her had worn. 

Did Patty forget her humble home and 
her old friend, the pitcher, do you suppose? 
No indeed, she did not. The pitcher was 
with her in her new home. But her parents 
wished to remain in their peaceful home. 

The pitcher was still her obedient servant. 
When the poor came to the jialace gates he 



poured nourishing 
soup into their 
pitchers. 

The people did 
not forget to bless 
the princess for her kindly 
thoughts of those who 
needed her t o t e c t i o n . 
And so the pitcher was 
still serving his mistress 
in a hundred ways ei'^ery 

<<17 7 -7 f^av. 

He poured soup 


THE LITTLE BROA¥N PITCHER 


77 


But even the best of us cannot escape an 
evil tongue. Many of the wicked courtiers 
envied Princess Patty because the people 
loved her. They whispered into the ears of 
the prince, her husband, and at last he 
listened to them. 

They told him Princess Patty was kind 
to the people so that they would rebel against 
the prince when she told them to. They told 
him she wished to be on the throne alone; 
that evil spirits helped her, and the pitcher 
was one of them. 

Finally the prince believed them and com- 
manded Patty to be thrown into a dungeon. 
The dungeon was in the very depths of the 
palace, and she was frightened and began to 
weep. 

She did not mourn long. When night came 
on the pitcher opened her prison doors and 
helped her to run away. 

“Come,” said he, “return to your old home. 
Your husband will know then that it is not 
his riches you care for. He will be sorry he 


78 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

has lost you, and he will repent.” 

She followed the pitcher. But they had 
not gone far when Patty saw that a regiment 
of soldiers was pursuing them. She screamed 
with fright. 

“Be not alarmed, dearest mistress,” said 
the pitcher. “I will stop the soldiers.” 

So saying, he bent over and poured a great 
cataract of water into the valley where the 
soldiers were running. The water rolled in 
high waves, until it became a great lake. 
The soldiers swam to the nearest land, glad 
to save their lives. 

So Patty came back home. She slept that 
night in her little bed under the humble roof 
of her parents. 

Early next morning she came into the same 
little old garden of her j^outh. She fed the 
pigeons, and gathered the flowers. She tried 
to be happy and to forget all that had hap- 
pened. But her thoughts would wander to 
the home of her husband. She hoped he had 
learned the truth about her by this time. She 


THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 79 

hoped something might happen that she 
should see him again. 

And so the days went by, and the weeks 
went by, and her grief seemed greater in- 
stead of less. The pitcher was always by her 
side and gave her comfort in her silent 
sorrow. 

The neighbors who had loved Patty for so 
many years were glad to see her again. She 
did not tell them of the cruel thing that had 
happened, and they thought she had come to 
visit them. 

“Our friend Patty,” they said, “has come 
to visit her parents. We must make her a 
present.” 

At last they decided what the present 
should be. All the girls helped to make a 
beautiful piece of worsted work in many 
beautiful colors, spread on a handsome frame. 
These words were w^hat she read — 

“Kind Actions to Others Bring 
Happiness to Ourselves.” 

They did not dream that Patty’s heart was 


80 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


full of grief. But the motto was true, as we 
shall see before we finish the story. 

Time flew by, and still Patty received no 
news from her husband. She asked herself 
many questions. Perhaps he thought she had 
been drowned in the torrent that had over- 
whelmed his soldiers. 

Well, one flne morning, Patty rose very, 
very early, for she could not sleep. She 
wanted to be with her flowers, and came into 
the garden. There she found her friend, the 
pitcher, trimming the flowers like an old 
gardener who knew his business. 

“Good-morning, fair mistress mine,” said 
he. “You are up early. The sun has hardly 
climbed over the distant mountain, but I am 
glad to see you up so early. I am taking- 
special care with the garden this morning 
for we are expecting a visitor today.” 

“A visitor,” said Patty. 

“Yes,” replied the pitcher. “I can hear dis- 
tinctly a footstep in the distance. It comes 
this way. Listen! it is now near enough for 


THE LITTLE BROWN PITCHER 81 

mortal ears to hear. Listen closely.” 

Sure enough! Nearer and nearer it came. 
It was indeed Patty’s husband, the prince! 

He entered the garden, but when he saw 
his long lost Patty, he stopped and stood 
quite still, like a statue of surprise. 

“This is the vis- 
itor I expected,” 
said the pitcher; “he 
believed you dead 
and has wandered 
from place to place 
in his great grief. 

At last he decided to 
come to this humble 
cottage. He wanted 
to see again the spot 
where he first met 
you. He knows now that you did not want his 
riches or his kingdom. He finds you here 
wishing for nothing but his return.” 

The prince rushed forward with a cry of 
delight, and knelt at Patty’s feet, trying to 





Knelt at Patty’s feet” 


82 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

tell her in words that would not come, how 
sorry he was. 

The parents rejoiced in Patty’s happiness, 
even though it meant they would lose her 
again. The prince soon planned the return 
to his palace, which was to be a great entry 
in triumph. 

He wished to send a messenger to his 
kingdom with word that a wonderful cele- 
bration should be planned. But the pitcher 
here came forward and said, “Prince, I am 
here to give my last service to my mistress. I 
have rewarded her for her self-denial and 
unselfishness and now I am recalled to the 
palace of the water fairy. Behold!” 

As the words were said, jets of sparkling 
water rose in the air from the pitcher. A 
broad lake spread over the valley. And 
there on the lake was a wonderful golden 
boat, ro-wed by^ boatmen dressed in velvet. 

The boat glided to their feet, and they 
stepped in. The fountain played from the 
pitcher’s mouth until the lake was a stream. 


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‘‘They came in sight of 


their own castle” 





84 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


and the stream was a mighty river. 

They floated on and on until they came 
in sight of their own castle, standing high 
up on the rocks. Flags were floating from 
the turrets and a booming cannon saluted 
them. 

Crowds of people stood to receive their 
much-loved princess. She could not speak 
for her eyes were filled with tears of joy. 
Her happy face spoke for her, and the people 
shouted their welcome. 

The prince and princess lived happily 
many years, and their people were contented. 
The kindness of the princess and her courtesy 
and gentleness, gave her the name of “The 
Gentle Princess.” She was never ashamed 
of her humble girlhood, and her children 
loved to listen to her story of the wonderful, 
brown pitcher, the history of which teaches 
all who read it that 

KINDNESS TO OTHERS BRINGS 
HAPPINESS TO OURSELVES. 



THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 


O NCE upon a time, a man had three sons, 
the youngest of whom had rather a hard 
time of it. His brothers nicknamed him 
Bumbling. 

These older brothers considered themselves 
very wise. As Bumbling was much younger 
than they, his opinions were never considered 
of anv value. Everybody used to mock 
Bumbling and make fun of him on account 
of his nickname. 


85 


86 ONCE UPON A TIME STOEIES 

The eldest son, who was a wood-cutter, was 
often sent by his father to cut wood in the 
forest. Before he left home his mother would 
prepare a delicious lunch of sandwiches, cake, 
a bottle of cream, and other toothsome joys, 
to take with him to eat while he was at work. 

One day just as he entered the forest he 
met a Little Brown Man, who bade him 
good-morning. Then the Little Brown Man 
said: Please give me a little piece of cake 
out of your basket and a drink out of your 
bottle, for I am very hungry and thirsty.” 

But the youth, who was considered very 
clever, replied: “What! give you my cake and 
my cream? Why, if I did I should have none 
for myself. No, indeed; so take yourself off!” 

The Little Brown Man went away, and the 
young man began cutting down a tree. Pres- 
ently he made a false stroke. The ax slipped 
and bruised his leg so badly that he was 
obliged to go home and have it bound up. 
Now this false stroke was caused by the 
Little Brown Man. 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 87 

The next day the second son went into the 
forest to cut wood. His mother gave him 
also a delicious lunch to take with him. As 
he entered the wood the same Little Brown 
Man met him, and begged for something to 
eat and drink. But the second son answered 
rudely: “Not a morsel; so be off!” 

Then he left the Little Brown Man stand- 
ing in the road and walked on. His punish- 
ment soon came. He had scarcely given two 
strokes on a tree with his ax when he hit 
his foot a terrible blow. He was obliged to 
limp home at once in great pain. 

Then Humbling, whom nobody cared for, 
went to his father and said, “Let me go for 
once and cut wood in the forest.” 

But his father said, “No, your brothers 
have been hurt badly. It would be worse 
for you who don’t understand wood-cutting.” 

The boy, however, begged so hard to be 
allowed to go that his father said, “There, 
get along with you. You will buy your ex- 
perience very dearly, I expect.” 


88 OiXGE UPON A TIME STORIES 

His mother gave him a poor lunch to take 
with him. She gave him a cake, which had 
been made with water and baked in the ashes, 
and a bottle of sour milk. 

AVhen he reached the wood the very same 
Little Brown Man met him, and after greet- 
ing him kindly said, “Please give me a little 
of your cake and a drop of milk from your 
bottle, for I am very hungry and thirsty.” 

“Oh,” replied Humbling, “I have only a 
cake which has been baked in the ashes, and 
some sour milk. However, you are welcome 
to a share of it. Let us sit down and eat and 
drink together.” 

So they seated themselves, and lo and be- 
hold! when the youth opened his basket the 
cake had been turned into a beautiful jiound- 
cake. The sour milk had been turned into 
fine rich cream. The basket was filled with 
many delicious things to eat. 

After they had eaten and drunk enough 
the little old man said, “Because you have 
been kind-hearted, and shared your dinner 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 


89 



^‘1 am very hungry and thirsty” 

with me, I will make you in the future lucky 
in all you undertake. There stands an old 
tree. Cut it down and you will find some- 
thing good at the root.” Then the Little 
Brown Man said farewell, and left him. 


90 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

Dumbling set to work, and very soon suc- 
ceeded in felling the tree. What was his 
surprise to find sitting at the root a goose 
whose feathers were of pure gold! 

He picked the goose up, and held it closely 
under his arm. Instead of going home with 
it, he carried it to an inn at a little distance, 
where he intended to pass the night. 

The landlord had three daughters who 
looked at the goose with envious eyes. They 
had never seen such a wonderful bird. They 
longed to have at least one of the feathers. 

“Ah!” thought the eldest, “I shall soon 
have an opportunity to pluck one of them.” 
An opportunity to pluck a feather soon hap- 
pened, for Dumbling quickly left the room. 

“Now is the time!” said the eldest 
daughter to herself. She instantly went up 
to the bird and took hold of its wing. What 
a strange thing happened! She could not 
take her hand away. Her thumb and finger 
stuck fast. However much she tried she 
could not take them away. 


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carried it to 


an inn’’ 


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92 


ONCE UPON A TJME STORIES 


In a short time after, the second sister 
came in. She came in to get a golden feather, 
too. She took hold of her sister to pull her 
away from the bird. Then another strange 
thing happened! 

The second sister stuck fast to the first 
sister’s dress. They neither of them could 
free themselves. 

At last in came the third sister with the 
intention of getting a golden feather. “Keep 
away! keep away!” screamed the other two. 
“Do not touch us! Keep away!” 

But she could not imagine wh,y she should 
keep away. If they were near the golden 
bird, why should she not be there? So she 
made a spring forward and touched her sec- 
ond sister. 

Ah! what a mistake she made. She should 
have obeyed, and kept away. Immediately 
she also was made a prisoner. In this posi- 
tion all three of the sisters were obliged to 
remain by the goose all night. 

In the morning the young man came in. 


THE LITTLE BROWN i\lAN 


93 


took the goose under his arm, and went away. 
The three girls were obliged to follow close 
behind him. He pretended he did not notice 
them. 

And as he walked quickly 
they were obliged to run, one 
behind the other. They had 
to run left or right of him 
just as he happened to change 
the goose from one arm to the 
other. 

In the middle of a field thev “Young ladies, 

'' what are you 

were met by the parson of about?” 
their church, who looked with wonder at the 
procession as it came near him. 

“Young ladies,” cried he, “what are you 
about, running after a young man in that 
way through the fields? Go home, all of 
you!” 

He placed his hand on the youngest to pull 
her back. The moment he touched her he 



94 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

also became fixed, and was obliged to follow 
and run like the rest. 

In a few minutes the church clerk met 
them. When he saw the parson running 
along in this manner he was much surprised. 
He cried out, “Halloo, Master Parson, where 
are you running in such haste? Have you 
forgotten that there is a christening to-day?” 
And as the procession did not stop he ran 
after it and seized the parson’s gown. 

In a moment he found that his hand was 
fixed, and he also had to run like the rest. 
Now there were five trotting along — one 
behind the other. Presently two laborers 
came by with their sickles, from the field. 
The parson called out to them, and begged 
them to come and release him and the clerk. 

The men hastened over and made the at- 
tempt, but with the same result. They were 
stuck fast to the others. Humbling with his 
golden goose under his arm traveled on 
faster. He appeared quite unconcerned 


THE LITTLE BROWN MA N 95 

about the seven who were obliged to trot 
along after him. 

He would turn quickly and change the 
goose from one arm to the other, and trot 
faster just for the fun of seeing the seven 
run as if thej'^ were playing “crack-the-whip.” 

After awhile thei'' came to a city in which 
reigned a King who had a daughter of such 
a sad disposition that no one could ever make 
her laugh. Therefore, the King issued a 
decree that whoever v'^ould make the Princess 
laugh should have her for his bride. 

Now when Bumbling heard this he was de- 
termined to try what effect the appearance 
of himself and his train would have on the 
Princess. So he ran before her and the 
whole seven trotted after him. He changed 
the goose from one arm to the other, and 
turned around quickly. The seven ran 
around rapidly as if they were playing 
“crack the whip.” 

The sight was so funny that the moment 
the Princess saw it she burst into a great fit 



''The princess burst into a great fit of laughter'- 



THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 97 

of laughter. She kept on laughing till they 
thought she would never leave oft. 

After this Dumbling went to the King and 
demanded his daughter in marriage, accord- 
ing to the King’s decree. The King did not 
quite like to have this common young man 
for a son-in-la wq so he said to Dumbling, 
“Look out of the window towards the river. 
Do you see those very large stones along the 
river bank? Some of them are as big as 
a house. They are in my way when I go 
out walking. I want them all thrown into 
the deep river. Bring me a man that is 
strong enough to do this, and you shall have 
my daughter for your bride.” 

So Dumbling released his prisoners from 
the golden goose, locked it away carefully, 
and went into the forest. He thought to 
himself, “If any one can help me, it is the 
Little Brown Man.” When he arrived at the 
forest where he had cut down the treee, he 
was surprised to find many big trees torn 
up by the roots. 


98 


ONCE UPON A TIME STOBIES 


“There must have been a great storm here,” 
said he. “It was a lucky thing that I left 
when I did. I should not enjoy having one 
of those trees fall on me.” 

He walked on till he came to the very spot 
where he had cut down the tree. There sat 
a very Large Man on a big log. He sat there 
as if he were resting. 

“Good morning, sir,” said Humbling. 

“Good morning, my little fellow,” said the 
Large Man. 

“There must have been a severe storm 
here from the way these trees are torn up by 
the roots,” said Humbling. 

“Oh no, I did that myself,” replied the 
Large Man. “I am getting in wood for the 
winter.” 

Humbling was overjoyed at meeting the 
Strong Man. He spoke up quickly, saying, 
“You are just the man for whom I am look- 
ing. The King wants a strong man. Come 
with me and your fortune is made.” 

The Strong Man agreed to go, but said. 







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^‘One after another he removed these boulders^* 


100 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

“First, I must carry in this load of wood.” 
He then piled up ten large trees. Then he 
took another tree and tied the ten together. 
He threw the whole package over his shoul- 
der, as if it weighed only a few pounds, and 
Avalked rapidly to his home. 

Humbling and the Strong Man proceeded 
then to the King’s palace. Humbling in- 
formed the King that he had brought a man 
to remove the large stones. The King came 
out to watch the work. 

The Strong Man walked up to a big boulder 
about as big as a house, picked it up, bal- 
anced it in one hand, and pitched it sheer 
over into the middle of the deep river. One 
after another he removed these boulders 
about as fast as a boy might pick up potatoes. 

In order to make a complete job he pulled 
up a number of large trees that were in the 
way, shook the dirt off the roots, and threw 
them into the river also. 

The King was so astonished at the great 
power of this Strong Man that he could not 


THE LITTLE BROWN HAN 


101 


utter a word for full half an hour. Then he 
exclaimed, “Wonderful! Wonderful! Most 
wonderful !” Then he said to the Strong Man, 
“Your fortune is made. You shall never 
want for anything. Your home is now with 
the King.” 

“Thank jmu, your Majesty. I shall ever 
be at your service. Should you like to have 
your palace over where the boulders were, 
just a little nearer the river?” said the Strong 
Man. 

“Nothing would please me better,” replied 
the King. 

The Strong Man immediately picked the 
palace up, and placed it just where the King 
wanted it. This was all done so easily and 
quietly that nobody in the palace knew that 
anything had happened. 

Again Bumbling asked the King for his 
bride, but the King was annoyed at the 
thought of giving his daughter to such a 
common fellow. In order to get rid of him 
he made another condition. He said that no 


102 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


man should have his daughter who could not 
find some one able personally to rout a whole 
regiment of soldiers. 

Away went Bumbling to the forest as be- 
fore. There in the same place sat a soldier 
who wore an old battered hat. “Ah,” said 
Bumbling, “I am glad to see you. How are 
you this fine morning?” 

“I am very unhappy,” replied the soldier. 
“I am a Soldier of Fortune, and I cannot find 
any more fighting to do. Wars seem to be 
about ended.” 

“How many men can you put to flight at 
one time,” asked Bumbling. 

“I can defeat a whole army,” replied the 
soldier. 

Bumbling could hardly contain himself for 
joy when he heard this. “You are just the 
man for whom I am looking,” said he, “but 
pray tell me how you will manage to defeat 
a whole army.” 

“That is very easy,” replied the soldier. 
“Bo you see this old hat? Tt has wonderful 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 


103 


powers. In fact, it is a magic hat. I received 
it from a real witch who purchased it from 
the God of War.” 

Dumbling looked the hat over with very| 
great interest, and said, “Mr. Soldier, I don’t 
see anything wonderful about this hat, ex- 
cept that it is so old 
and worn that it is about 
ready to fall to pieces. 

How do you make use of 
it to aid you in battle?” 

“That ■ is very easy,” 
replied the soldier. “All 
I have to do is to put it 
straight on my head. 

Then place both hands “Ten cannons will fire” 

on top of the hat, and press down. Every 
time I press down ten cannons will fire. Just 
step a little to one side, and I will show you 
how it works.” 

Humbling quickly stepped behind the sol- 
dier, for he did not want to be in front of| 



104 OXCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

the cannons. The soldier pressed both hands 
down upon the hat. Ten cannons boomed! 
Down he pressed again, and boom went ten 
more. 

The noise was so terrific that Dumbling 
was much frightened. His teeth chattered 
and his knees smote together. Although he 
was frightened yet he was happy. He was 
more happy to be frightened than he was to 
be happy without being frightened. 

“Ah, you are the man for me,” said he to 
the soldier. “Don’t shoot any more. Just 
save your ammunition. Come and go with 
me and your fortune is made. I’ll warrant I 
will give you enough fighting to do.” 

Dumbling and our Soldier of Fortune soon 
journeyed to the King’s palace. Dumbling 
informed the King that he had brought a 
man who could put to rout a whole regiment 
of soldiers. 

The King ordered out his best regiment. 
They lined up for battle a mile from our 
Soldier of Fortune. The King gave the 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN • 105 

signal for the battle to begin. Our soldier 
pressed down on his hat so fast that a thou- 
sand cannons were fired in a minute. This 
made such a terrible noise that the whole 
regiment of soldiers fell down from fright. 

Then our soldier charged on the regiment 
at full speed, all the time pressing down on 
his hat as he advanced, making the booming 
of the cannons almost deafening. This kind 
of charge was more than the king’s choice 
regiment could stand. They threw their guns 
away and fled. Not a one stayed to meet our 
soldier. 

The King admitted at once that his regi- 
ment was defeated. He said to our soldier, 
“Your fortune is this day made. I shall dis- 
charge all my soldiers. You shall henceforth 
defend my kingdom alone.” 

The Soldier of Fortune saluted the King, 
and said, “Thank you, your Majesty. I am 
at your service.” 

Then Dumbling went a third time to the 
King and asked for his bride, but the King 


106 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

made several excuses. At last he said if 
Dumbliug could bring him a ship that would 
travel as well by land as by water, then he 
should, without any further conditions, 
marry his daughter. 

Bumbling went at once straight to the 
forest and saw again the same Little Brown 
Man. 

“Ah,” said the Little Brown Man as Bum- 
bling approached, “it was I who sent the 
Strong Man to pitch the big boulders into the 
river; it was I who sent the Soldier of For- 
tune. 

“I will also give you a ship that will not 
only travel by land or by sea, but will travel 
through the air as well. I will do this be- 
cause when you thought I was poor you were 
kind-hearted and gave me food and drink.” 

Thereupon the Little Brown Man stamped 
on the ground and blew a little silver whistle. 
Bumbling heard the booming of cannons, the 
ground opened and out came the Soldier of 
Fortune followed by the Strong Man. And 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 


107 



^ Blew a little silver 
whistle^ ^ 


what do you think the 
Strong Man was carry- 
ing? He carried on his 
back a large, beautiful 
ship. 

Said the Little Brown 
Man, “Here is the ship 
that will not only travel over land or water, 
but will sail through the air.” 

Then he said to the Strong Man, “Break 
down that big oak tree. You will find it hol- 
low at the root.” 

Immediately the Strong Man broke down 
the big oak tree as if it were a weed. And 
what do you think they found in the hollow 
at the root? 

There were fifty-seven suits of the most 
beautiful clothes any prince ever wore. They 
were all just the right size for Bumbling. 
They were all made of velvet and trimmed 
with gold lace. There were red suits, green 
suits, blue suits, brown suits, and white suits. 
There were fiftv-seven beautiful hats with 


108 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


golden plumes; fifty-seven pairs of shoes of 
the finest leather, colored to match the suits; 
fifty-seven neck-ties of the choicest silk. 

There were fifty-seven of each article of 
clothing that a handsome j'oung man would 
most like to wear. There was a beautiful and 
costly watch that would strike the hours. 
There were gold and diamond stick-pins, and 
gold and diamond rings. 

“You are soon to wed the Princess,” said 
the Little Brown Man to Dumbling. “You 
will then be a Prince, and you must have 
beautiful clothes. These clothes and jewels 
are all yours.” 

Dumbling was so surprised he could hardly 
speak at first. Finally he took the Little 
Brown Man in his arms and wept for joy, and 
thanked him a million times. Then Dum- 
bling dressed in one of his most beautiful 
suits. How fine and handsome he did look! 
All the other clothes were immediately put 
into the ship. 

“Now we shall go to see the King,” said 


I 


\ 



‘^TJien Diimhling dressed in one of his heciutifnl suits” 




110 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

the Little Brown Man. “I will show you how 
to run this ship. All aboard, and we shall 
be off at once.” 

The Little Brown Man, the Strong Man, 
the Soldier of Fortune, and Dumbling all 
boarded the ship in a twinkling. 

“Now,” said the Little Brown Man, “here 
are three buttons — one red, one white, and 
one blue. AVhen you want to sail on the 
ground, press the red button; when through 
the air, press the white one; when on the 
water, press the blue one.” 

So saying, he pressed the white button, and 
the ship arose and sailed through the air like 
a great bird. They flew in the direction of 
the King’s palace. The Soldier of Fortune 
pressed on his hat every now and then, and 
made the ten cannons boom, just to let the 
King know they were coming. 

The King was greatly astonished to see 
the ship come sailing through the air. As 
soon as they alighted the King came forward 
at once to examine the ship. Dumbling was 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 111 

SO handsomely dressed that the King did not 
at first know him. 

“Your Majesty,” said Bumbling, “I de- 
sire to introduce to you my dearest friend, 
the Little Brown Man.- He furnished me this 
ship, which not only sails on land as well as 
on water, but also sails through the air. He 
helped me find the Strong Man and the Sol- 
dier of Fortune.” 

The King was so pleased he put his arms 
around Bumbling and called him his son. 
The King said, “The wedding shall take place 
tomorrow.” 

And such a grand wedding as that was! 
It would be difficult to describe how beau- 
tiful the bride looked, and how handsome the 
groom was. He looked the part of a Real 
Prince. 

The King gave him the name of Prince 
John to take the place of Bumbling. 

The wedding was celebrated in grand style 
on the palace grounds. The Little Brown 
Man blew his magic whistle and a great flock 


112 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

of fifty-seven golden geese appeared and 
circled around, in the sunlight to the great 
delight of the royal household. 

The whole flock came down and each goose 
gave the Princess a golden feather. Prince 
John turned his lucky goose loose and it flew 
away with the rest of the golden flock. 

The Little Brown Man blew his magic 
whistle again. There appeared fifty-seven 
handsome messenger boys, each carrying a 
large basket. Each basket was filled with 
rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and other 
precious jewels. All these were presented to 
the Princess as a wedding present. 

Then the Little Brown Man took the King, 
Queen, Prince and Princess for a ride in the 
magic ship. They sailed on land; they sailed 
on water; they sailed through the air. 

The Strong Man pitched stones as big as 
an elephant five to ten miles up into the air 
and caught them as they came down. The 
Soldier of Fortune pressed down on his hat 
a thousand times and made ten thousand 


THE LITTLE BROWN MAN 113 

cannons boom in honor of the wedding. 

The King was so pleased with the Little 
Brown Man that he offered to make him his 
Secretary of State. 

The Little Brown Man replied, “I thank 
.^ou, your Majesty, for the honor you offer 
me. I am one of the guardians of the mines 
of precious metals and stones. It is my duty 
to guard these Jewels. I cannot leave my 
place.” With these words he said farewell 
and disappeared. 

After the King’s death. Prince John suc- 
ceeded to the throne, and ruled over the 
whole country. He was a good and wise 
king, and being king did not make him for- 
get to help the needy the same as he did 
when he was Just Bumbling, and shared his 
lunch with the Little Brown Man. 


DRAKESTAIL 


NOE upon a time Drakestail lived in 



a country village near the sea. 
Drakestail was very little. That is why he 
was called Drakestail. Tiny as he was, he 
had brains, and he knew what he was about. 
Having begun with nothing he became very 
rich. He had a million dollars. 

Now, the King of the country was very 
extravagant. He never kept any money. 
When he heard Drakestail had a million dol- 
lars he went in his own person to borrow his 
hoard. And my word, in those days Drakes- 
tail was not a little proud of having lent 
money to the King. 

But after the first and second year went by 
Drakestail received no interest. In fact, the 
King never even dreamed of paying any 
interest. At last Drakestail became uneasy. 


114 


DRAKESTAIIi 


115 



SO much so that he resolved to go and see 
the King himself and get repaid. 

So one fine morning Drakestail, very 
spruce and fresh, took the road, singing: 

“Quack, quack, quack, 

I want my money back!” 

He had not gone far when he met friend 
Fox, on his rounds that way. 


116 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 



‘^Make yourself quite small'' 


“Good-morning, neighbor,” said the friend; 
“where are you off to so early?” 

“I am going to the King for what he owes 
me.” 

“Oh! take me with thee!” 

Drakestail said to himself: “One can’t have 
too many friends.” Aloud he said, “I will, 
but going on all fours you will soon be tired. 
Make yourself quite small, get into my throat 
— go into my gizzard and I will carry you.” 

“Happy thought!” said friend Fox. 

He took bag and baggage, and, presto! was 
gone like a letter into the mail-box. 

And Drakestail was off again, all spruce 
and fresh still singing: 


DRAKBSTAIL 


in 


“Quack, t][uack, quack, 

I want my money back.” 

He had not gone far when he met his lady 
friend Ladder, leaning on her wall. 

“Good-morning, my duckling,” said the 
lady friend, “whither away so bold?” 

“I am going to the King for what he owes 
me.” 

“Oh! take me with thee!” 

Drakestail said to himself: “One can’t have 
too many friends.” Aloud he said: “I will, 
but then with your wooden legs you will soon 
be tired. Make yourself quite small, get into 
my throat — go into my gizzard and I will 
carry you.” 

“Happy thought!” said friend Ladder, and 
nimble, bag and baggage, went to keep com- 
pany with friend Fox. 

And “Quack, quack, quack.” Drakestail 
was off again, singing and spruce as before. 
A little further he met his sweetheart, my 
friend River, wandering quietly in the sun- 
shine. 


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“Thou, my cherub,” said she, “whither so 
lonesome, with arching tail, on this muddy 
road?” 

“I am going to the King, you know, for 
what he owes me.” 

“Oh! take me with thee!” 

Drakestail said to himself: “We can’t have 
too many friends.” Aloud said he: “I will, 
but you who sleep while you walk will soon 
be tired. Make yourself quite small, get into 
my throat — go into my gizzard and I will 
carry you.” 

“Ah! happy thought!” said my friend 
River. 

She took bag and baggage, and glou, glou, 
glou she took her place with friend Fox and 
friend Ladder. 

And “Quack, quack, quack.” Drakestail 
was olf again singing. 

A little further on he met comrade Wasp’s- 
nest, maneuvering his wasps. 

“Well, good-morning, friend Drakestail,” 
said comrade Wasp’s-nest, “where are we 


DEAKESTAIL 


119 


bound for so spruce and fresh?” 

“I am going to the King for what he owes 
me.” 

“Oh! take me. with thee!” 

Drakestail said to himself, “One can’t have 
too many friends.” Aloud said he: “I will, 
but then with your battalion to drag along, 
you will soon be tired. Make yourself quite 
small, go into my throat — get into my gizzard 
and I will carry, you.” 

“By Jove! that’s a good idea!” said com- 
rade Wasp’s-nest. 

And he took the same road to join the 
others with all his party. There was not 
much more room, but by crowding close they 
managed. And Drakestail was off again sing- 
ing. 

He arrived thus at the capital, and made 
his way straight to the King’s palace, singing: 

“Quack, quack, quack, 

I want my money back,” 
to the astonishment of all the people. 

He knocked upon the door of the King’s 


120 


ONCE UPON A TIME STOEIES 


palace with the great knocker: “Toe! toe!” 

“Who is there?” asked the porter, putting 
his head out of the door. 

“’Tis I, Drakestail. I wish to speak to 
the King.” 

“Speak to the King! That’s easily said. 
The King is dining, and will not be dis- 
turbed.” 

“Tell the King that it is I, 

And I have come he well knows why.” 

The porter shut the door and went to tell 
the King, who was just sitting down to din- 
ner. He had a great napkin round his neck. 

“Good, good!” said the King, laughing. 
“I know who it is. Make him come in, and 
put him with the turkeys and chickens.” 

The porter came again to the door. 

“Have the goodness to enter.” 

Good!” said Drakestail to himself.” I 
shall now see how they eat at court.” 

“This way, this way,” said the porter. 
“One step further. There, there you are.” 

“How? what? in the poultry-yard?” 


DRAKESTAIL 


121 


Imagine how vexed Drakestail was! 

“Ah, so that’s it,” said he. “Wait! I will 
compel you to receive me. 

“Quack, quack, quack, 

I want my money back.” 

But turkeys and chickens do not like peo- 
ple who are not just as they are. When they 
saw the new-comer and saw that he was dif- 
ferent, they all rushed at him together to 
overwhelm him with pecks. 

“I am lost!” said Drakestail to himself. 
And then he remembered his friend Pox, and 
cried: 

“Keynard, Reynard, come out of your earth. 

Or Drakestail’s life is of little worth.” 

Then friend Fox, who was only waiting 
for these words, hastened out. He threw him- 
self upon the wicked fowls. At the end of 
five minutes there was not one left alive. 

And Drakestail, quite content, began to 
sing again: 

“Quack, quack, quack, 

I want my money back.” 


122 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

The King, who was still eating dinner, 
heard the song of Drakestail. And when the 
porter came and told him what had happened, 
he was very angry. 

He ordered the porter to throw this tail of 
a drake into the well. 

And it was done as he commanded. Drakes- 
tail did not see how he could ever get out of 
such a deep hole, ' when he remembered his 
friend Ladder. 

“Ladder, ladder, come out of thy hold. 

Or Drakestail’s days will soon be told,” 

Friend Ladder, who was only waiting for 
these words, hastened out. She leaned her 
two arms on the edge of the well, and Drakes- 
tail climbed nimbly on her back. Hop! he 
was in the yard again and began to sing 
louder than ever. 

When the King, who was still eating din- 
ner and laughing at his funny trick, heard the 
song again, his face became red with rage. 

He commanded that the furnace be heated, 
and Drakestail thrown into it. 


DRAKESTAIL 


123 



‘‘His face became red with rage’’ 


The furnace was soon hot, but this time 
Drakestail was not afraid; he knew his dear 
friend River would help him out. 

“River, River, outward flow. 

Or to death Drakestail must go.” 

My friend River hastened out, and errouf! 
she threw herself into the furnace. She 
flooded the furnace and all the people who 
had lighted it. Then she flowed, growling, 
into the hall of the palace to the height of 
four feet. 

But Drakestail, of course, could swim, and 


124 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

began swimming about singing again at the 

top of his voice: 

“Quack, quack, quack, 

I want my money back.” 

The King was still eating his dinner. He 
liked plenty of nice things to eat, and took 
many hours for his dinners. But when he 
heard Drakestail’s song again he jumped 
from the table, very furious. 

“Bring him here, and I’ll cut his throat! 
Bring him here quick!” cried he. 

And quickly two footmen ran to bring 
Drakestail. 

“At last,” said poor Drakestail “they have 
decided to receive me.” 

Imagine his terror when he saw the King 
and his angry face, with all his ministers, 
each with a sword in his hand. Unless 
Drakestail’s one remaining friend could help 
him, he knew he had not much longer to 
live. 

“Wasp’s-nest, Wasp’s-nest, make a sally. 
Or Drakestail nevermore may rally.” 







"T/ieij all jumped pell-mell from the imndoiv’' 


126 ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 

And then everything changed!” 

“Bs, bs, bayonet them!” The brave Wasp’s- 
nest rushed out with all his wasps. They 
threw themselves on the angry King and his 
ministers and stung them so fiercely, that 
they did not know where to go or what to 
do. They all jumped pell-mell from the win- 
dow and broke their necks. 

And there stood Drakestail in the King’s 
dining room, all alone. 

Pretty soon he remembered what he had 
come for and began to hunt for his dear 
million dollars. He looked everywhere, but 
could find nothing. All the money had been 
spent. 

In searching from room to room he finally 
came to the throne room. He felt very tired 
so he sat down upon the throne to think over 
his adventure. 

It was not long until the people found their 
King and his ministers with broken necks, 
on the ground below the window of the 
castle. They hastened inside to find out the 


DRAKESTAIL 


127 



“He became king” 


trouble. There in the throne room they 
found Drakestail sitting in the seat of the 
King. And they all cried out in surprise 
and joy: 

“The King is dead, long live the King! 

Heaven has sent us down this thing.” 

Drakestail had had so many surprises, that 
he was not even excited when the people 
called him their King. And they thought 
him very dignified and wonderful. They 
thought a wise Drakestail would make a bet- 
ter King than the spendthrift who was dead. 

And so Drakestail became King. A 
jewelled crown was placed on his head and 
eveiwbody waited for his word. 


128 


ONCE UPON A TIME STORIES 


“Now,” said he, after the ceremony, “ladies 
and gentlemen, let’s have some supper. I’m 
hungry.” 




9 








